Visitors Cricklade should have been in front after just three minutes, Ian McSherry’s close range header lacking the power to trouble Steve Skyrme. Headington’s first chance came five minutes later, Luke Cuff dragging his shot wide after a mazy dribble from Aftab Hafiz had created the opening, but Cricklade took a deserved lead when Ben Carter’s strong run & low cross from the left was converted at the near post by James Baker in the 10th minute. Carter doubled the lead seven minutes later as Headington were caught on the break but pulled a goal back in the 21st minute, Sam Webb firing home from fifteen yards after collecting a fine pass from Hafiz. Both sides tightened up in defence but Headington were level on the stroke of half time, Shaun Jacob getting on the end of Shaun Pearce’s free kick to steer the ball wide of Ben Mitchell.
Half time 2 – 2
Headington started the second half the stronger, Luke Cuff’s left wing run setting up Alex Luckett who drew a fine save from Mitchell. With ten minutes gone Cuff & Jacob combined superbly to set up Hafiz whose low finish from the edge of the penalty area was too good for Mitchell. Chances came & went at both ends but Headington looked to have made the game safe when substitute Jack Hayhurst, making his debut, drilled in a left footer with five minutes of normal time left. However, Cricklade were handed a lifeline two minutes later, Skyrme’s goal kick intercepted by Adam Brooks who advanced & finished confidently. Nerves were now visibly jangling for the home defence but with Cricklade committing men forward Luke Cuff broke clear from the halfway line & rounded Mitchell before rolling the ball home for a clinching fifth goal in added time.